(AP) — State health officials say six people died from the flu in North Carolina last week, raising the death toll for the season to 16.

The N.C. Division of Public Health said Thursday four of the six flu victims were ages 65 and older, with the other two in the 50-to-64 age group. Of the total, 12 flu victims were 65 and older.

The flu season officially began Oct. 1 and typically runs through March 31.

Meanwhile, to prevent the spread of the flu, UNC Rex Hospital in Raleigh and UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and Hillsborough say children aged 11 and under can no longer visit patients. Last month, Cape Fear Valley Health implemented a policy restricting children under age 12 from visiting the hospital.

READ MORE NEWS AND EVENTS HERE.